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When it comes to business law, few aspects are more important than protecting your products, trademarks, and unique business ideas. However, your actual operations also need to be protected. While the open market allows businesses to compete against each other, there are times when competition crosses the line. When this occurs, filing a lawsuit for tortious interference may be necessary. Here is what you should know about this process.

What Is Tortious Interference?

Tortious interference is an area of business law that addresses when a third party unfairly disrupts a business relationship, typically by interfering with an existing or soon to be finalized contract. This interference is done with the specific intent to harm one of the businesses involved in the contract, such as by disrupting the sale of a company or blackmailing someone to make them back out of a contract.

business lawThe malicious party is not part of the contract itself. Because of this, they are quite often not subject to contract law. Instead, the case is covered under tort law.

Establishing a Case

Several factors must be considered to determine whether the defendant’s interference with the business activity qualified as tortious interference. Relationships between all involved parties, the accused’s motives and interests, external social interests, and total damages to the business must all be assessed. 

The case will be more likely to succeed if the individual’s actions clearly interfered with a known, existing contract. However, the terms of the contract can also influence whether you have a legal case or not. When tortious interference is established, the defendant may be subjected to monetary damages and other legal punishments.

 

If you need help navigating business law, contact Williams, Hall & Latherow, LLP in Ashland, KY. Founded in 2000, this law firm provides affordable, dependable representation that will protect your business’s best interests. To learn more about their services or to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney, visit them online or call (606) 329-1919.

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